The French Revolution

(1789-1799)
Sociological Theory Political Revolution

Sociology 4111

Department of Sociology and Anthropology
UMD
  1. CLASS STRUCTURE OF FRANCE
    1. FIRST ESTATE: CLERGY
      • 130,000 MEMBERS
      • PRIVILEGES
        • COLLECTED CHURCH TAX (TITHE)
        • SUPERVISED EDUCATION
        • REGISTERED BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES.
      • EXEMPTIONS
        PAID NO TAXES, ALTHOUGH OWNING 1/5 OF THE LAND IN FRANCE
      • COULD NOT BE TRIED IN CIVIL LAW COURTS

    2. SECOND ESTATE: NOBILITY
      • 110,000 MEMBERS
      • PRIVILEGES
        • COLLECTED TAXES (FEUDAL DUES)
        • MONOPOLIZED APPOINTMENTS IN STATE AND MILITARY SERVICE
      • EXEMPTIONS
        PAID NO TAXES; ALTHOUGH OWNED 1/5 OF THE LAND

    3. THIRD ESTATE: BOURGEOISIE; PROFESSIONALS; WORKERS; PEASANTS
      • 24,750,000 MEMBERS
      • PRIVILEGES: NONE
      • EXEMPTIONS: NONE (THE BURDEN OF TAXATION FELL UPON THIS CLASS)


  2. CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION

    1. ABSOLUTE GOVERNMENT
    2. PRIVILEGES OF THE FEW, POVERTY OF THE MANY
    3. UNJUST AND HEAVY TAXATION
    4. INTELLECTUAL INFLUENCES
    5. RESTRICTIONS ON TRADE AND COMMERCE
    6. EVIDENT LUXURY AND LEISURE
    7. GROWING WEALTH OF FRENCH BOURGEOISIE WAS MAKING THEM MORE IMPORTANT
      DEMANDED TWO MAJOR CHANGES:
      • a. BUSINESS FREEDOM
      • b. PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT
    8. INFLUENCE OF:
      • ENGLISH GLORIOUS REVOLUTION 1688-89) AND
      • U.S. REVOLUTION (1776-83)


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    Last Modified: 25-Jan-2011
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